Rhinoplasty (Nose)

Most generally, rhinoplasty is known to be an outpatient procedure. The type of anesthesia you have will depend on the complexity of your procedure. Most nose-reshaping surgeries take only one to two hours.

The shape of your face, thickness of your skin, age, and structure of your nasal bones and cartilage will influence your procedure. During this procedure, the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting bone and cartilage, before it is then sculpted to the desired shape. The location of incisions and stitches varies with each patient.

Remember, during that initial consultation, Dr. Yugueros will explain in full detail her specific approach with your nose, allowing to fully know what to expect during your surgery. Simply put, there will be no mysteries or surprises.

Though rare, but sometimes possible (particularly, in the case of overly complex situations), a second surgery might be necessary to achieve your rhinoplasty goals.

One of the biggest allures to rhinoplasty in Atlanta, is the fact that it’s a highly individual procedure. What does this mean, exactly? The incisions made to successfully complete the surgery are generally very small, and hidden inside the nose. Therefore, you should no visible scars or marks revealing you have nose-reshaping surgery.

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Not only will Dr. Yugueros give you detailed information regarding the rhinoplasty procedure during that initial consultation, but she’ll also give you thorough instructions to prepare for and recover from the nose-reshaping surgery.

Fortunately, most patients describe mild discomfort after rhinoplasty, which can be treated with oral, over-the-counter or prescribed medications. You should be able to go home within a few hours of your procedure.

Bruising after a nose job is common, and generally lasts for about a week. Yet, realistically, you are most likely to experience some swelling for several months after the surgery. The swelling is usually not noticeable to others; however, this does mean that your final results will take time to show.

External and internal nasal splints may be used to support your nose and maintain its new shape while it heals. Dr. Yugueros will remove your splints after a week.

Most rhinoplasty patients do not have to have their noses packed following the surgery. Mild bleeding from your nostrils is often normal during the first week. Though, it is highly important to not blow your nose during the first week post-surgery to help ensure the area heals as quickly as possible.

You should be able to return to normal activities, including work and/or school, about ten days after your surgery. Please do not engage in strenuous activities (i.e. intense workouts, sports, etc.) until cleared by Dr. Yugueros. It’s vital to wait for her “go ahead.”

One week following the rhinoplasty surgery, and then periodically after that (for up to a year), you will visit with Dr. Yugueros to ensure that you and your nose are properly healing.

• Recovery lasts 10-14 days.
• Pain can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
• Bruising generally lasts 1 week, but swelling can last up to several months.
• You can return to work after 10 days, but should continue to avoid strenuous activity.
• Results will become more noticeable after 2-3 weeks into the healing process.

The results of the rhinoplasty will start to become evident within two to three weeks, after you begin healing. Once the swelling and bruising subside, these results will become more prominent.

If at any time during this phase (i.e. the healing process), you have any questions, concerns, or confusion, it’s recommended that you contact Dr. Yugueros. Chances are, the issue will be routine. But, still, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

The following are typically frequently asked questions regarding rhinoplasty.

Q: Do I need rhinoplasty?

A: As stated above, elective cosmetic surgeries are subjective. Therefore, making the decision to have rhinoplasty is a personal decision, and should only be decided by you.

Q: How much does rhinoplasty cost?

A: As each rhinoplasty procedure is different, according to a patient’s overall goals, you can expect pricing to slightly change, too. You can discuss the cost of service with Dr. Yugueros during your initial consultation, where payment options can also be explored.

Q: Do I have to be a certain age to undergo rhinoplasty?

A: Generally, rhinoplasty can be pursued after nasal growth is complete – usually in girls by age 15, and boys by age 16. However, it’s important to understand that for any elective cosmetic surgery to be considered “successful,” the patient in question will need to be emotionally mature, cooperative, understanding, and realistic of results. Sometimes, it’s harder for younger patients to demonstrate these qualities.

Q: Does rhinoplasty hurt?

A: While different patients often have different tolerance levels for pain, it is common to feel sore and discomfort following the surgery. However, medications can help counterbalance any type of pain you may experience.

Q: What are the complications generally associated with rhinoplasty?

A: Though rare with rhinoplasty, complications can arise with any type of surgery. Following the rhinoplasty procedure, it is possible (but unlikely) to experience infection, persistent numbness, change in smell and/or taste, and abnormal scarring.